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10 Must-See Events in Irvine This May—from Outdoor Movies to Live Jazz

Issue # 0407

Author

Joshua Tjia
14 May

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh Of The Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

⚾️🍿🎺 10 Must-See Events in Irvine This May—from Outdoor Movies to Live Jazz

🚒 Wildfire Prevention Town Hall Scheduled for May 19 in Irvine

🚧 Northwood Community Park to Receive Playground and Amenity Upgrades

🧋🥥 Seasonal Favorite Returns: Rose Cream Coconut Jasmine Back at Jam Jam Tea Lab

🛟💦 Free Life Jackets for Kids: Irvine’s New Safety Program Starts May 17

☀️😔 Finding Balance in the Sun: Gaining Insight into Summer Mood Changes

🦋🌱 Flutter into Fun: Butterfly Hunt and Hike for Kids at Mason Park on May 15

🎻🕯️Experience Joe Hisaishi’s Music by Candlelight

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐈‍⬛💉 Low-Cost Pet Vaccine Clinic Coming to Irvine on May 27

⚾️ UC Irvine Baseball’s Blake Penso Earns Big West Weekly Honors

🏀🏐🎾⚾ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

🌟🏪🎉Irvine’s Best Kept Secrets: Is Your Business One of Them?

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

Why do potatoes always argue?

Because they can never see eye to eye.

We hope this joke brings some laughter to your day! 😁

10 Must-See Events in Irvine This May—from Outdoor Movies to Live Jazz

From live performances to local markets and sports showdowns, here are ten standout events happening throughout the city of Irvine in May:

  • Movies Under the Stars – Watch Moana 2 for free on May 17 at Irvine Spectrum Center’s Giant Wheel Lawn. Movies begin at 7 p.m., with first-come, first-served seating.

  • Pro Soccer Matches – The Orange County Soccer Club hosts New Mexico United on May 17 and Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on May 24 at 7 p.m. at Great Park Championship Soccer Stadium.

  • UCI Baseball Series – UC Irvine takes on Cal State Fullerton in a three-game Big West series at Anteater Ballpark, May 15–17. Evening games Thursday and Friday at 6 p.m., Saturday at 1 p.m.

  • Mountain Bike Clinic – Improve your skills at the free Mountain Bike Clinic: Fundamental Skills hosted by Irvine Ranch Conservancy on May 17 from 8 a.m. to noon. Registration required.

  • Modern Makers Mart – Explore handmade goods and local treats with live music at Woodbridge Village Center, May 17–18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

  • Janelle James at Irvine Improv – Emmy-nominated comedian and “Abbott Elementary” star performs stand-up on May 23 and 24 at Irvine Improv.

  • Viva La Quebradita – Enjoy a night of high-energy Latin music and dance featuring Banda Machos and more at Great Park Live on May 18.

  • “Louis: A Silent Movie” – Experience a unique blend of jazz and film on May 20 at Irvine Barclay Theatre with live music by Wynton Marsalis, Cecile Licad, and a 10-piece jazz ensemble.

  • “Starmites” Musical – UCI’s Claire Trevor School of the Arts presents a sci-fi musical adventure full of heart and humor, running May 30 through June 7.

  • Memorial Day Ceremonies – The Northwood Gratitude and Honor Memorial Candle Lighting takes place May 25 from 4 to 5:30 p.m., and the City of Irvine hosts its annual Memorial Day ceremony at Bill Barber Park on May 26 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Wildfire Prevention Town Hall Scheduled for May 19 in Irvine

The Irvine Police Department and Orange County Fire Authority are holding a Wildfire Prevention Town Hall on Monday, May 19, from 6–8 p.m. at OCFA Headquarters (1 Fire Authority Road, Irvine). The meeting will cover wildfire safety, emergency preparedness, and actions residents can take now to protect their homes and families.

Northwood Community Park to Receive Playground and Amenity Upgrades

The City of Irvine is planning improvements to Northwood Community Park, including upgrades to the playground, equipment, and amenities. A Community Meeting will be held on Monday, May 19, from 6 to 7 p.m. at Northwood Community Center to gather public input on the proposed updates. Residents are invited to attend and share their feedback.

Seasonal Favorite Returns: Rose Cream Coconut Jasmine Back at Jam Jam Tea Lab


Jam Jam Tea Lab’s popular Rose Cream Coconut Jasmine drink has made its return for a limited time. This refreshing blend features the soft, floral notes of jasmine paired with smooth coconut and a hint of rose cream. Light and elegant, it’s an ideal seasonal sip for those who enjoy floral teas with a creamy twist.

Free Life Jackets for Kids: Irvine’s New Safety Program Starts May 17

The City of Irvine is starting a Floatie Exchange Program to help keep young children safe in the water. Families with kids age 6 and under can bring in unsafe floaties and trade them for a free, Coast Guard-approved life jacket.

  • The program kicks off Saturday, May 17, from 8 a.m.–noon at the William Woollett Jr. Aquatics Center.

  • Parents must view a short safety video and complete a waiver after a proper fitting.

  • Life jackets will also be available while supplies last at upcoming city events like:

    • Studio Arts Festival (June 7)

    • Super Swim Lesson (June 27)

    • Mid-Autumn Festival (Sept. 26)

    • Global Village Festival (Oct. 11)

  • Details: cityofirvine.org/aquatics or call 949-724-6717.

Finding Balance in the Sun: Gaining Insight into Summer Mood Changes

Although many look forward to summer, some people experience a lesser-known form of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) during the warmer months. Unlike winter SAD, which often causes fatigue and oversleeping, summer SAD may bring restlessness, trouble sleeping, reduced appetite, and heightened anxiety.

  • According to UCI Health psychiatrist Dr. Rimal Bera, the condition is linked to factors like disrupted sleep cycles, genetics, and environmental influences.

  • Fortunately, support and treatment options are available. Healthy routines, regular sleep, and positive social connections can help ease symptoms.

  • Additionally, for those experiencing summer SAD, bright light therapy—often helpful in winter—may not be the best approach; instead, spending time in a cooler, dimly lit space might offer more comfort and relief.

Flutter into Fun: Butterfly Hunt and Hike for Kids at Mason Park on May 15

Join OC Parks for Little Explorers: Butterflies!—a fun, educational outdoor event for children ages 3–6 and their guardians on Thursday, May 15, from 9:30–10:30 a.m. at Mason Regional Park in Irvine.

  • Enjoy a short, easy hike (rated 1/5 in difficulty) and story time with naturalists as you explore the butterfly garden in search of caterpillars and butterflies.

  • Advance registration is required for all participants, including children. Parking is $5 per vehicle; carpooling is encouraged. Bring water, closed-toed shoes, and sun protection.

  • For questions, contact [email protected].

Experience Joe Hisaishi’s Music by Candlelight

Experience a 60-minute concert celebrating the iconic film scores of Joe Hisaishi, performed by the Orchid Quartet at the Richard Nixon Library & Museum. This multisensory event features music from Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, Howl’s Moving Castle, and more.

Upcoming Performances:

  • Thursday, May 15

    • 6:30 PM

    • 8:45 PM​

Thursday, May 29

  • 8:45 PM​

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

  1. May 16th, 5:30 PM: Jazz at the Oak, NHS Oak

  2. May 21st - 22nd, 7:00 PM: POPS Concerts, NHS Theater

  3. May 30th, 7:00 PM: POPS Gala, NHS Theater

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://timbmusic.org/events/

Upcoming University High School's Choirs Calendar

No upcoming events

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://www.uhschoirs.org/2024-25-season.html

Upcoming Woodbridge High School's Music Calendar

  1. May 16, 7:00 - 10:00 PM: WHS Warrior Guard Spring Show

  2. May 23, 6:00 - 9:00 PM: Jazz & Percussion Concert

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://www.whs-music.org/

Upcoming Woodbridge High School’s Vocal Music Calendar

  1. May 30, 7:00 PM: Broadway Rocks Concert, WHS Performing Arts Center

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://woodbridgechoirs.weebly.com/calendar.html

Upcoming Irvine High School's Music Calendar

  1. May 16, 6:30 - 9:30 PM: Pops Concert (PAC)

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://www.vimb.info/calendar

Upcoming Portola High School’s Music Calendar

  1. May 15, TBA: Porchella Night 1

  2. May 16, TBA: Porchella Night 2

  3. May 30, 7:00 PM: Vocal Concert

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://www.phsmusic.org/events

Low-Cost Pet Vaccine Clinic Coming to Irvine on May 27


The Irvine Animal Care Center is teaming up with HEART to offer a low-cost pet vaccine clinic on Tuesday, May 27 in the center’s parking lot (6443 Oak Canyon, Irvine). This mobile clinic is by reservation only and is designed to make it easy and stress-free to update or begin vaccinations for your cat or dog.

Book your spot at www.heart4pets.org.

UC Irvine Baseball’s Blake Penso Earns Big West Weekly Honors



UC Irvine's Blake Penso earned his first Big West weekly honor after a standout performance that helped the team go 4-0. The senior catcher totaled 12 RBIs over three games against Cal State Bakersfield, highlighted by a 4-hit, 6-RBI game on Friday, three doubles on Sunday, and three caught stealings. He’s the sixth different Anteater this season to receive the conference award, joining five teammates including one pitcher.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Baseball

  • Thur, May 15 – vs Cal State Fullerton, 6:00 PM

  • Fri, May 16 – vs Cal State Fullerton, 6:00 PM

  • Sat, May 17 – vs Cal State Fullerton, 1:00 PM

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

No upcoming events

High School Athletics Calendar

** Updated With May Schedule

Northwood High School Monthly Athletics Calendar (All Level)

No upcoming events

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

No upcoming events

Irvine’s Best Kept Secrets: Is Your Business One of Them?

We know our community is brimming with businesses that have fascinating stories and big hearts. If you’re a local business owner making waves, crafting unique experiences, or simply putting a smile on our faces, we want to chat with you! “Irvine Insider” is eager to shine a light on the unsung heroes of our city. Let’s collaborate and let the community know what makes your business special.

Click the link below and fill out the Local Business Spotlight Application Form to be featured and let’s celebrate the spirit of Irvine together!

Irvine Insider is sent to a local audience of Irvine residence Monday through Friday with 50% - 60% open rate. Our newsletter is a great way to reach Irvine residents.

  • Kaiser Permanente Irvine Farmers Market

  • Saturday Farmers Market at Mariners Church Irvine

    • When: Saturday, 8 AM - 12 PM

    • Where: 5428 Bonita Canyon Dr, Irvine, CA 92603

  • Great Park Certified Farmers Market

  • Manassero Farmers

    • When: Daily, 9 AM - 4:30 PM

    • Where: 33 Irvine Valley, Irvine, CA 92604

  • Tanaka Farms

    • When: Daily, 9 AM - 5 PM

    • Where: 5380 3/4 University Dr, Irvine, CA 92612

    • More Info:Tanaka Farms

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